Describe a photo that you enjoy looking at: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What the photo is?
When and where it was taken?
What is shown in the photo?
Why you enjoy looking at it?

118 unique answers with expert feedback

How do you think pets impact our emotional well-being?

Pets provide companionship and unconditional love, which can significantly improve our emotional health. They help reduce stress and anxiety, offering comfort during tough times. The bond we share with them can create a sense of purpose and joy in our lives.

What other types of photos do you enjoy looking at?

Besides pet photos, I enjoy looking at travel pictures that remind me of beautiful places I've visited. I also like candid shots of friends and family, as they capture special moments and emotions that bring back fond memories.

Why do you think certain characters inspire you?

Characters like Luffy and Lord Hanuman inspire me because they embody qualities like bravery, resilience, and loyalty. They remind me to stay strong in the face of challenges and to maintain a positive outlook, which is essential for personal growth.

Band >7

00:00

I would like to speak about a photo that I enjoyed when looking at. The photo is my family photo. It was taken recently while going to a picnic at Mysore garden. I am totally impressed with this photo because of its nature and it was a cheerful experience for me and the family to enjoy that day. I totally inspired this photo in my living room. It was a nice experience while taking this photo. All the family members together and they enjoy while seeing this photo. The important factor is when I look on this photograph I remember the happiest days in my life. I keep this photo in my living room. I would like to keep it throughout my life.

Follow up questions

What other photos do you have that are meaningful to you?

I have several other photos that are meaningful to me, including pictures from my childhood, travel experiences, and special family gatherings. Each of these photos holds a unique memory and reminds me of the good times I've had with loved ones.

How do you usually display your favorite photos at home?

I usually display my favorite photos in frames on the walls of my living room and hallway. I also create a photo album for special occasions. This way, I can easily share those memories with guests and reminisce about the good times.

Why do you think photos are important for preserving memories?

Photos are important for preserving memories because they capture moments in time that we can revisit. They evoke emotions and stories that might fade with time. Looking at photos helps us remember our experiences and the people we shared them with.

Band >7

00:00

A photo that I enjoy looking at is of me and my dad, which was taken in the year 2007 maybe or 2009. My dad used to work in the Air Force and that was the first time that I had been on the tarmac with my dad. This picture was taken by one of, I don't know who took the picture, but it's such a beautiful picture. It feels like a father-like-daughter moment wherein he's wearing an overall uniform and I'm just walking along with him holding his hands and there's an airplane right behind, like in front of us. So the picture was taken from the back, so I don't know, maybe the picture kind of depicts the bond that me and my dad share, something that is unbreakable and that cannot be explained in words, through words, it's just emotions and yeah, that picture is such a great reminder for me to cherish the moments that I had with my dad and that I have with my dad, but you know sometimes you forget your childhood and there are pictures that were taken at that time that remind you of beautiful glimpses of memories that you made at that time and this picture is one of those in which I was happy, my dad was happy, we were happy together and yeah, that is one of the pictures that I enjoy looking at.

Follow up questions

What emotions do you feel when you look at this photo?

When I look at this photo, I feel a deep sense of nostalgia and happiness. It reminds me of the strong bond I share with my dad and the joy of those moments we spent together. It evokes feelings of love and appreciation for the time we had, making me cherish those memories even more.

How do you think photographs impact our memories?

Photographs serve as powerful triggers for our memories. They can transport us back to specific moments in time, allowing us to relive emotions and experiences. A single photo can encapsulate a story, reminding us of people, places, and feelings that might otherwise fade away.

Do you have any other favorite photos? Why are they special?

Yes, I have several other favorite photos, each capturing different significant moments in my life. For instance, a photo from my graduation day is special because it represents hard work and achievement. Each photo tells a unique story and holds a special place in my heart.

Practice other cue cards

Describe when someone gave you something you really wanted /a gift your received

View answers

Band >7

00:00

Well, a photo that I always enjoy looking at is a recent picture I took of myself. Well, it's just me flexing on my small muscles. And I took it like three days back from my gym. And it just reminds me of the time when I used to be nervous and insecure about my appearance. I always used to be a skinny kid. I was not at all confident. And now, when I look at me, all I feel is confidence. I've grown bigger. I've got a huge muscle definition. I've got stronger. And I've developed a lot in my physique and appearance. I'm much more confident now. I've developed my linguistic abilities. And now I speak English. I can speak multiple languages. And this picture just helps me remember where I come from, where I started, and where I am now. And it makes me proud.

Follow up questions

How do you feel about your progress since that photo was taken?

I feel incredibly proud of my progress. Looking at that photo reminds me of how far I've come, both physically and mentally. It motivates me to continue working hard and to keep pushing my limits, knowing that I can achieve my goals.

What role does confidence play in your daily life?

Confidence plays a huge role in my daily life. It affects how I interact with others, take on challenges, and pursue opportunities. Being confident allows me to express myself better and to engage more fully in social situations, which has greatly improved my quality of life.

Do you think photos can influence our self-esteem?

Absolutely! Photos can serve as powerful reminders of our achievements and growth. They can boost our self-esteem by showing us how far we've come, but they can also have the opposite effect if we compare ourselves negatively to others. It's all about perspective.

Band 7

00:00

The photo I enjoy looking at is of my dog, his name was Prince, he was a Pomeranian and he was so small and fragile. I loved him. He was actually taken in the park when he was playing with butterflies. He was so happy catching all the butterflies and running behind them. Moreover, I felt that it was so cute and memorable to capture that moment, so I can always look. He is no more and whenever I miss him, I look at that picture and videos I have took of him. In conclusion, I think because I love him and I miss him everyday, so I always like to re-watch the old videos and photos of him.

Follow up questions

What other pets have you had in your life?

I have had a few other pets, including a cat named Whiskers and a rabbit named Fluffy. Each of them had their own unique personalities and brought joy to my life. I loved spending time with them and creating memories, just like I did with Prince.

How do you think pets impact our lives?

Pets have a significant impact on our lives. They provide companionship, reduce stress, and can even improve our mental health. The bond we form with them can be incredibly strong, and they often become part of our family, as was the case with Prince.

What do you think is the best way to remember a pet that has passed away?

I believe the best way to remember a pet is to cherish the memories we shared. Keeping photos, videos, and even creating a scrapbook can help. Additionally, talking about them and sharing stories with friends and family can keep their memory alive.

Show all 118 answers

Cue 1:What the photo is?

Begin by describing the photo clearly, mentioning its subject and any significant details.
Use vivid language to create a mental image for the listener.

Example

The photo I enjoy looking at is a beautiful landscape shot of the Himalayas. It captures the majestic snow-capped peaks under a clear blue sky, with a lush green valley in the foreground.

Cue 2:When and where it was taken?

Provide context about when and where the photo was taken, including any relevant details about the occasion.
Mention any emotions or thoughts you had during that moment.

Example

This photo was taken last year during a family trip to Manali. We visited in the summer, and I remember standing on a hilltop, feeling a sense of peace and awe as I looked at the breathtaking view.

Cue 3:What is shown in the photo?

Describe the elements in the photo, such as people, objects, or scenery, and their significance.
Share any interesting stories or memories associated with the elements in the photo.

Example

In the photo, you can see my family members smiling and posing together, with the mountains towering behind us. It reminds me of the fun we had hiking and exploring the area, creating lasting memories.

Cue 4:Why you enjoy looking at it?

Explain the emotional connection you have with the photo and why it resonates with you.
Mention how it makes you feel or any lessons it reminds you of.

Example

I enjoy looking at this photo because it brings back wonderful memories of our family trip. It reminds me of the beauty of nature and the importance of spending time with loved ones. Every time I see it, I feel a wave of happiness and gratitude.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, this photo is more than just an image; it represents a cherished moment in my life. It inspires me to appreciate nature and the time spent with family, making it a truly special photo for me.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Being Vague About the Photo

Candidates often give unclear descriptions of the photo, which can confuse the listener. Specific details help create a vivid image in the examiner's mind.

Tip

Provide clear details about the photo, including colors, subjects, and emotions it evokes to make your description more engaging.

2: Ignoring the Context

Failing to mention when and where the photo was taken can lead to a lack of context. This makes it harder for the examiner to understand the significance of the photo.

Tip

Always include the time and place of the photo to give your answer more depth and context.

Rushing Through Your Answer

Candidates often rush their responses, leading to incomplete answers. This can prevent them from fully expressing their thoughts and feelings about the photo.

Tip

Take your time to think and structure your answer. Use pauses to emphasize important points and ensure clarity.

IELTS Cue Cards asked last week

Reported by Leap students who gave IELTS

Describe your favourite food at a traditional festival or a special event in your country

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

Pitampura Test Centre, New Delhi

Answer

I like to taste different types of cuisine. Here I would like to talk about my favorite dish at my traditional festival of Onam which is Sadya. Sadya is popular in my city. We are experimenting these cuisines on Onam festival day. Onam is a famous festival in my city. All family members get together in my home and we make a delicious Sadya. There are many ingredients includes that Sadya. Moreover, we make a big feast that day as well as we create a lot of memories together and we wear that day the traditional dress called Sari and men wear the Dhotis. That festival is really important to us because the whole day we are conducting different kinds of games at our homes and all the family members came together. It's a memorable day in my life. This is the festival. We are making the Sambar and Aviyal. These all the kinds of foods are making with the vegetables.

Talk about a toy you liked in your childhood

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 8

Sector 34 Test Centre, Chandigarh

Answer

The toy which I liked in my childhood was a panda doll, which makes me pleasant and makes me more blush. The pandas are the most beautiful creatures of the world, which looks gigantic and has pooshy cheeks and they are like stars in the clouds and they dream in me. Furthermore, these have been given by my father. My father is a very very beautiful artistic person, who makes me think of that. Every day you will face every difficulties and make you suffer and move forward. Pandas are always seen in Japanese countries. It is my lifelong dream to visit a Japanese country and click a photo with the original pandas, which makes sounds better.

Describe a time you were in a place where you didn't know the local language

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 6.5

Whitefield Test Center, Bengaluru

Answer

As India is a very large country full of diversity, so there are many places which have their own language and speak their native language. The place which I visited and I didn't know about their language was Leladakh, which is about 300 km away from my hometown and it is a very good place as it consists of different kind of trees, animals and have many scenic views and I visited over there last year in summers as it was the best time to visit because it has many, it was cold over there and we had summers in our area so it was the best time to visit over there and I went over there with my whole family.

Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7

Begumpet Test Centre, Hyderabad

Answer

When I was a kid, I had a little pencil box which had these four buttons which gave the pencil box an operative use. When you press the button, the box would open up. When you press the second button, a little part of it would slide out. Basically it was just a little electronical and a fun thing to have and I owned it when I was in 6th. One day after break, I was standing and talking there with one of my friends and another friend of mine was running through the hallway and accidentally she pushed my shoulder and my pencil box hit the ground and it broke into multiple pieces to the point that it was not functional anymore.

Describe a book you recently read

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

CBD Belapur Test Centre, Navi Mumbai

Answer

It Ends With Us is a book I read recently. It's by the author Colleen Hoare. It's mainly a story about two teenagers, Atlas and Lily, and how they just handle their life going through high school, adolescence, and just domestic violence at home. Both of them come from very, very different families. However, they have one common determining factor between them, which is domestic violence. The abuse that they've seen their moms go through is just insane, and they connect through that on a different level. They're actually in the same high school, but they never speak to each other until Atlas actually crashes into an empty house next to Lily's villa. When Atlas is homeless and he doesn't have anywhere to go, he just comes and breaks into the house next to Lily's, and Lily helps him with all the daily necessities like clothes and food, medicines and stuff. Furthermore, their friendship blossoms into love, but it doesn't really fructify as Atlas has to leave. This book really gave me a lot of knowledge about domestic abuse and how to deal with it.